The under-21 squad from Finchampstead Netball Club were the spectators' favourites in the final of the plate competition at the Torquay Open netball tournament at Barton Hall.

As the only ‘young' team playing amongst 32 teams from across the UK, they received many comments and compliments from opposing players and spectators for their skills, determination and mature play demonstrated throughout the weekend.

All girls play for either Greenfinch, Chaffinch, or Goldfinch in divisions two, three and four of the Bracknell and District Netball League. Many are also current or past Berkshire county players.

Laura Briggs (centre) and Jenny Hand (goal defence), both aged 17, and Jenny Clark-Whittle (goal attack), aged 16, all play for Berkshire's under-18 squad and worked solidly and effectively throughout the tournament.

Kerry Lyons (goal keeper) has played for the club for a number of years and at 17 is enjoying her last season for Finchampstead before heading off to university next year.

Team captain Rachelle Kitto (goal shooter), aged 20, who played for Berkshire under-16s and last season for the senior squad, inspired gritty performances from the girls.

As games were only five minutes each way, there was little time to settle in and therefore the pre-match warm-ups and exercises co-ordinated by Betty McFadden, (Berkshire under-16s coach) proved invaluable and prepared the girls for action from the first whistle.

In their first game they held Centrales to a 4-4 score at half time but finally lost out 8-5 to take a point.

Their second game against Brookend (who were the event cup winners) proved a tough match and although they intercepted well down the court, the static 6" goal shooter proved very difficult to mark and they lost 13-2.

Next came a 6-6 draw against Harlequins and then their first win, against Halifax by a 6-5 margin.

The final game before lunch produced another 6-6 draw against another Berkshire team, RG7.

The first game of the afternoon session was a friendly played in great spirits against Toronto mens team who more than surprised to find themselves being held to a 8-8 draw by the youngsters.

The remaining two games against Olney White and Hart they lost 12-2 and 6-2 respectively.

Regrouped after this first round of games Finchampstead found themselves sitting in a strong position playing off for the plate competition on the Sunday morning.

With games only three minutes each way they were delighted with their opening 6-0 win against Trophies A, followed by a 3-3 draw against Trinity.

They then went on to outplay Nomads 10-2 and had another good win against RG7 5-3.

These fantastic results on Sunday morning got them through to the semi final which, as a result of calm maturity and tight defence they won 5-4.

The final was a nail biter which saw the girls trailing 3-4 at half time.

Having lost their centre pass going into the second half they were unable to pull back the difference and were disappointed to lose 6-8.

Individual trophies and a cheque for £25 were presented to the team after lunch.